Story so far: Veronica wakes up in her fifteen year old body before Lilly is murdered. She makes a list of personal things she needs to change and crimes she needs to prevent. She cuts her hair, changes her clothes and starts being more like the Veronica she is really inside. Duncan is unhappy with the changes. Lilly and Logan like them. Veronica tries talking to her mother about her drinking and Lilly about how she avoids real emotions and how she needs to treat Logan better. Veronica finds Mac and starts their friendship.
AN: I knew that keeping track of all the storylines and characters would be too much for me. I did mess up with the Mel and the Fitzpatrick story line. Thank you to the reviewers who pointed out my mistake in the storyline. I want to send out a HUGE heartfelt thank you to Bean0505 who graciously let me know the Mel storyline was from a story she wrote. She nicely accepted my apology for using her storyline. I took it out of my story and spent some time reviewing the story to make sure I didn't make any more mistakes like that.
Veronica walks out of journalism smiling. She really likes to take pictures and now she can combine journalism class with doing some of the items off her list.
She hums as she walks down the hallway towards her locker. Walking past Mac's locker she sees her signature blue streak and veers over to talk to her. Veronica chirps, "Hey what are you doing for lunch today?"
Mac looks up at her and looks over and sees the happy petit blonde. Unsure why the popular Sheriff's daughter is asking, Mac answers slowly, "I was going to work in the computer room."
Happy to be talking to Mac, Veronica smiles and says, "Can I join you?"
Looking a little puzzled at Veronica's enthusiasm to be with her, Mac tells Veronica she is welcome to have lunch with her
Veronica's smile grows bigger and she launches into her story about borrowing Lilly's computer and how she needs Mac to help her set it up more to her liking. She finishes winningly, "I'll buy you lunch."
Mac looks a little shell shocked at Veronica's bubbling persona but agrees to help her set it up.
Veronica merely tells her she will meet her there and walks off towards her locker. On her way she texts Duncan asking him to bring her lunch to the computer room and if he can bring a salad with it.
Veronica stops at Lilly's locker to visit with her. She tells Lilly to invite her over for supper tonight. She smiles at Lilly's look of surprise because her fifteen year old self doesn't normally like eating at the Kane house. Celeste is usually a huge bitch to her.
Veronica asks Lilly if she got her pep squad skirt shortened yet. Lilly looks shocked but laughs at her friend. She says, "Veronica Mars are you saying that I would deliberately alter a school uniform?"
Laughing Veronica says, "No, I'm pretty sure you are not doing the altering."
"So true," Lilly waves her hands as she answers, "These hands are not meant for sewing. They are meant for more pleasurable endeavors."
Veronica smiles at her friend and says, "Remember that tomorrow after pep squad practice we are going shopping."
With her signature smirk Lilly finishes putting her books in her locker. She says, "Oh I am definitely looking forward to helping you buy new underwear."
Tilting her head a little Veronica says, "In turn I'll help you pick out some new things that make your new guy drool."
Veronica watches as Lilly gets a little smile on her face. She says, "Perhaps."
Veronica starts to slowly back away towards her locker. She says, "Lilly tonight at supper mention prom would you?"
Lilly looks puzzled and Veronica says enticingly, "I promise it will be worth it."
Before she gets too far away she says, "By the way, how is Dick taking his new name?"
Lilly laughs and says, "He's pissed."
Veronica smiles a little wickedly and says, 'He's an ass. Let's make him suffer."
Nodding Lilly says, "I'm all for that." She does a little pep squad jump and kick making Veronica laugh out loud.
Veronica happily waves to her friend and goes towards her locker. She runs into Carmen and Tad on her way to her locker. Tad has his arm possessively around Carmen's waist.
Veronica steps in front of them and says, "Hey Carmen, Tad. How are you guys?"
Stopping and looking in surprise at her interest in them, they obligingly both answer her questions about what they are doing. Veronica cheerfully tells Carmen that she is trying out for soccer this year and asks Carmen if she is still playing. Carmen tells her she is and is surprised at Veronica's happiness they might play on the team together. She tells Carmen she didn't play last year so she is out of shape. She asks Carmen if they can practice together after school the next day. Carmen agrees and Veronica makes arrangements to meet her at her locker after school.
With a spring in her step Veronica says goodbye to the couple and bounces away to her locker seemingly oblivious to their surprise and to the students watching her..
A few minutes after she sets up Lilly's computer on a table in the computer room, Duncan arrives as directed with lunch. He is surprised to see Veronica and Mac looking at Lilly's computer. Veronica smiles and goes over to him. She kisses him gently and then takes the bag of food from him. She tells him that Mac is helping her set up Lilly's computer.
Mac notices that Duncan looks a little surprised to see his girlfriend on such good terms with her but Veronica doesn't seem to notice her boyfriend's puzzlement. Veronica takes the bag of food over to an empty table. She starts unloading the bag and absently tells Duncan that Cindy likes to be called Mac. Duncan nods and looks over at her. He has known her for years as she is in all the advanced classes. He has just never talked to her and he has never seen her hang out with Veronica but they seem to be friends. Duncan dutifully asks Mach how she is and listens as she tells him she is fine. He says goodbye to both girls and leaves as it is obvious Veronica is back to thinking about what needs to be done to Lilly's computer.
Veronica hands Mac her salad and a fork and she opens her deli sandwich with glee. Mac looks at Veronica and can't figure out Veronica wants from her. She seems to want to be her friend but she is Lilly Kane's best friend and Duncan Kane's girlfriend. She can't want to be with her.
Veronica pretends to be oblivious to Mac's puzzlement. She outlines what she wants on Lilly's computer and talks about what to do about the copies of the tapes she is going to put on it. She asks Mac some very astute questions about her abilities to hack into various computer systems without getting caught. Mac is truly taken aback. She can't imagine why Veronica would want to hack into Hearst College data banks and Neptune High teacher information.
Veronica talks over lunch with Mac. She can see Mac doesn't trust her yet and doesn't know why she wants to be her friend. As they work on Lilly's computer Veronica says, "Mac I know we aren't friends yet."
Mac stops what she is doing and looks at Veronica.
Veronica sighs and says, "The truth is I have been thinking about my life lately."
Mac listens attentively. She can sense Veronica is about to tell her something important.
Veronica says, "I am not happy with who I am."
Frowning Mac clarifies, "You are not happy being one of the nicest girls in the school, dating one of the richest guys on the planet and being best friends with the most popular girl in the school?"
Veronica laughs at Mac's wording of her question. She sobers and says, "That pink sweet girl who just goes along with the crowd and tries to please everyone is not me."
She points to her chest and looks Mac in the eyes and adds, "Not the me inside."
Mac sees Veronica is very serious. She asks, "Who are you inside?"
Nodding at the astute question Veronica says, "Really I am a bit of a bitch. I'm vindictive. I'm not a girl who sits back and waits for life. I go after what I want."
Mac thinks about what Veronica is telling her and tries to reconcile the image Veronica is verbally projecting with the image Mac has in her head of Veronica. She looks at Veronica and sees the change in her appearance and attitude. She thinks about Veronica giving Dick Cassablancas a new nickname and how upset he is about it.
Mac looks at Veronica and says, "Dick or should I call him Wally doesn't like his new nickname."
Veronica's eyes twinkle with humor and she says, "I'm sorry he's upset."
Mac's answering smile is genuine as she says, "Yes it's a shame."
After a moment of shared happiness, Veronica gets serious. Veronica says, "Mac, I hear things. I get my dad to handle the rough stuff but…."
She trails off. After a pause she says, "Some things I handle myself."
Mac listens. Veronica says, "I'm going to share with you some of the information and I am going to ask you for help to deal with it."
Mac looks worried. Veronica says, "Nothing will be traced back to you and no one will ever know you were involved."
Veronica pats Mac's arm and says, "Don't worry. You'll have time to get used to me before I make you break the law."
She goes back to looking at Lilly's lap top and asking about the best programs to get installed.
Mac turns her attention back to Veronica's questions but the hair is standing up on the back of her neck.
At lunch Dick is complaining about Veronica giving him that stupid nickname and how now everyone in the school is calling him it. Cassidy is sitting at the table and Logan can see he is trying not to smile at Dick's complaints.
Lilly arrives and says, "Leave my girl alone Wally."
She sits across from Logan and sends him a little smirk at Dick's renewed complaints about his new name.
Logan sitting next to Duncan listens as Duncan tells him that Veronica is in the computer lab with Cindy Mackenzie. Logan frowns and says, "Who?"
Duncan explains that she is that computer girl with the blue streak in her hair. Logan nods and says, "How does she know her?"
Shaking his head Duncan says, "I don't know but Veronica borrowed Lilly's computer and is getting her help to set it up how she likes."
Logan frowns as he thinks about Veronica using Lilly's lap top.
Logan asks his friend what he thinks about Veronica not trying out for pep squad.
Duncan looks at Logan and says, "I don't know who she is anymore."
Alarmed at his friend's tone Logan says, "She's Veronica."
Shaking his head Duncan says, "No, she's not. She's becoming like Lilly."
He leans in closer to Logan and says, "She dropped business comp and transferred into journalism."
Logan nods and says, "I saw her there. She's going to take pictures and write articles. I saw her working on an article already. Something about someone stealing dogs."
Duncan says, "The way she is dressing and is so rude to people….."
Smiling Logan says, "I like her more bitchy."
Frowning Duncan says, "I don't."
Logan loses his smile as he realizes his friend is very unhappy. Duncan's attention is taken away and Logan wonders if Duncan and Veronica are going to break up. He looks over at Lilly and wonders what is going on with her today. She didn't respond to his jabs at her about fucking everyone.
As the lunch bell rings Logan catches Lilly and says, "Lil I'm worried about Duncan and Veronica."
She looks at him and says, "What is going on?"
Logan looks around making sure they are alone and tells her about how unhappy Duncan is with Veronica's new look and attitude.
Frustratingly Lilly is not as concerned. Logan finally says, "Don't you care that they might break up?"
Shrugging Lilly says, "If Donut can't accept Veronica's hotness that's his problem."
Logan continues to look worried. He asks as Lilly leaves, "Why aren't you being more of a bitch today?"
Lilly looks at Logan and then smiles a little. She says, "You have Veronica to thank for that. She told me to treat you nicer."
Logan's mouth drops open in shock. He says, "And you listened?"
Lilly looks at Logan and he sees a flash of what he thinks is regret as she looks at him. She says, "Maybe we don't have to fight."
She turns and walks off leaving Logan wondering what is going on with all his friends and when his life slipped so out of control. He has no control at home but he has been really secure with Veronica, Lilly and Duncan.
He walks towards his locker to get his book for English. He needs to work on Veronica's poem. She's right that the ending sucks. Inwardly Logan wonders how Veronica knows he likes to write. He hasn't told anyone about it. The stories and poems he writes on his laptop are private; for his eyes only. How does the pint sized blond know he is a good writer? He's never even talked about his stories to anyone. This new Veronica is really a puzzle; a hot, bitchy puzzle. Logan wonders again what is going on with Veronica lately.
**
Keith Mars looks around the music shop watching his deputies gather evidence. He had not been satisfied the District Attorney had prosecuted the right man for the murders. It had not felt right. They had been in too much of a hurry to reassure a worried, voting public.
This time though Keith's gut is settled. This is the guy. One look at his home and the studio in his store had convinced Keith. The evidence they were gathering was definitely going to be enough. The bastard was so sure that he was smarter than them all; he had kept things from his victims as well as pictures. He had even kept all the articles from the papers about his killings. Keith looked forward to interviewing this guy when they got back to the sheriff's department. Weird how Veronica's comment as she left him yesterday tweaked his memory about the case. He smiled as he thought about her. She was probably planning another shopping trip with Lilly or going out on a date with that Kane boy who was not good enough for her. She had no idea what the real world was like and Keith planned to keep it that way. His beautiful, smart daughter deserved her perfect life filled with the usual teenage problems of what to wear, does that boy like me and what shoes should I wear with this skirt?
It has been a busy day at the Sheriff Department today. Besides the usual domestic disputes, prostitution and disorderly conduct, Lamb had busted a trainer at the Neptune Gym for selling steroids. He said he had a tip. Wryly Keith imagined someone had to tell him because Lamb wasn't going to work hard to catch someone.
In addition Saks had caught a guy at the city pound kidnapping and then ransoming dogs of all things. Keith smiles at how Inga helped him. He can't imagine those two in a sting operation but they had worked together and put up a poster of a missing dog changing the reward amount and put Inga's telephone number on it instead of the real owner. Inga had met with the thief and did the exchange. Saks had followed and then brought the guy in for questioning. He had only spoken Spanish but when an interpreter had come had given them information about the two guys who got him to do the exchange. One guy worked at the Dog Pound and the other guy was a student at Veronica's school. The kid had only been volunteering there for about six months when he had started helping steal dogs from the 09er district. They checked the back room at the pound and found seven missing dogs.
All in all a very weird day at the Neptune Sheriff Department.
Keith's cell phone rings and he sees Veronica's name. Smiling he answers and his smile grows as he hears, "Hey pops."
She tells him that she is going to eat supper at the Kane's and that she will be home before eleven.
She also tells him not to work too late and to remember to eat.
Before she signs off she says, "Dad, you know I'm proud of you and I love you right?"
Keith feels his heart almost burst at her sweet words. He answers, "I know. I feel the same."
She says, "I know Dad. Take care."
He sighs as he hangs up. He thinks about the parents of the girls this guy held hostage, tortured and killed. He wishes he could do more for them than just get them justice.
Veronica breezes through her afternoon classes. She texts Logan that she needs an A on her poem. Logan texts her back to do it herself. She sends him a picture of her face pouting.
Logan opens his text during English and almost laughs out loud. She looks totally adorable. Weird how she wouldn't even text during school last week. Now she's sending him pictures during class.
He gets another text that asks him if he is going surfing after school.
Puzzled he texts her he is.
Looking at the return text he sees she is going to drop by.
He asks her why.
She texts back, 'Eye candy."
Amused but puzzled, Logan texts back that DK is not going with him.
Veronica texts back 'Duh. I know"
Reading her last text Logan feels the breath leave his body. He's not totally sure but he thinks Veronica just called him hot. He can't believe she is so …. Outgoing now.
Veronica heads over to talk to Brody Chang before she heads home with Lilly. He is surprised to see her but readily answers her questions about competing in surfing competitions. He walks with her towards the parking lot.
They garner a lot of attention as Brody is a totally hot guy who wins some surfing competitions. He is not an 09er. He is not dating anyone right now and he is looking with interest at Veronica.
John and Casey waiting by Casey's car for Logan notice Veronica and Brody walking.
Veronica after listening to Brody's instructions thanks him for the information. He easily tells her it was no problem. He says, "If you ever want to learn to surf, I would be happy to give you lessons."
Smiling at his obvious flirting she says, "I'll keep it in mind."
She walks away towards Lilly's car after giving him a small wave. He stops at his car and watches her walk away.
John and Casey note Brody's interest. When Logan walks up they immediately tell him about seeing Veronica and Brody Chang together. Logan frowns and says, "Veronica is not like Lilly. She would never cheat on DK."
The guys agree but tell Logan that a lot of guys are looking at Veronica. John says, "She's a hottie now."
Casey laughs and agrees as he unlocks his car. Logan gets in the front frowning in thought about how the guys see Veronica differently as well.
Veronica walks over to Lilly's car and says, "Why did pep squad practice get cancelled?"
Lilly makes a face and says, "Miss P***** got called away."
Her face creases into a smile and she says, "More loving time for my man."
Veronica looks closely at Lilly and decides to let it go for now. Meg told her that Lilly was actually pretty nice to Logan at lunch even though he practically called her a slut. Veronica had been happy to hear that Lilly was making more of an effort to treat Logan better even when they weren't dating. It is definitely a start.
She gets Lilly to drop her off at the Echolls Estate. Lilly although puzzled as to why Veronica would waste her time talking to Lynn drops her off.
As she gets out of Lilly's car she says, "Remember to mention prom tonight at supper."
Lilly looks at her friend and sees the twinkle in her eyes. She says, "OK. See you later."
Veronica nods and waves her friend off.
The guy at the gate lets her in and she walks up to the house. Logan won't be there until later so she has a little while to talk to Lynn.
She pulls out her phone as she walks and calls Inga. She listens as Inga tells her about the dog pound scandal and Veronica happily congratulates her on her first bust. As they talk she notes a few names of owners of dogs found at the pound. She needs a couple of quotes for her article for the school paper.
Veronica reaches the door to the Echolls' mansion and knocks. She is immediately let in and is told that Lynn is waiting for her in the living room. She thanks the maid and asks for a water when asked what she would like to drink.
Lynn Echolls happily greets Veronica with a hug. Veronica sits beside her on the coach and tells her she looks beautiful.
Looking at the young girl before her Lynn comments, "Well I like your new hair style and look."
Veronica smiles at Logan's mom. She says, "Tell me what you have been doing. How is the Charity auction going?"
Surprised that Veronica even knows she is involved in the auction, Lynn starts telling her about what the theme is this year and what she has been doing. Veronica listening carefully politely accepts her water from the maid and takes a sip.
Veronica asks astute questions about Lynn's part in the auction. After a few minutes Veronica asks Lynn what she is wearing to the ball. Lynn is surprised when Veronica asks to see her dress.
Lynn takes Veronica upstairs and shows her the dress she bought. Veronica likes it and says, "Mrs. Echolls, you have such a modern style."
Veronica examining the detail on the dress misses Lynn's surprise and then pleasure at Veronica's interest.
Standing up from her examination, Veronica asks to see what shoes and jewelry Lynn is planning on wearing.
A little wistfully she tells Lynn that she wishes she were taller sometimes. Veronica now examining the shoes tells Lynn that she is lucky to be so tall and slender.
Lynn looks closer at Veronica at her words and says, "Yes but you bring out the protective instincts in a man you are so petit."
Veronica smiles impishly and meets Lynn's gaze. She says, "It does work in my favor."
Lynn laughs at the younger woman's comment. She takes Veronica over to her jewelry box and shows her the latest diamonds Aaron bought her.
Shaking her head at the flashiness of the necklace, Veronica says, "Men have no idea what women want do they?"
Frowning at the younger woman's statement Lynn asks her what she means. Veronica looks at Lynn and explains that a lot of men think that a woman is an ornament for them.
She holds the necklace up to Lynn and says, "It's magnificent but it's not you."
Veronica looks through her jewelry box and pulls out a simple but elegant necklace. It has a huge diamond on it but the setting is very feminine. She remembers Logan telling her that Lynn's parents bought it for her.
"Now this is more you; feminine, classy and elegant." Veronica shows the necklace to Lynn and watches the emotions go over Lynn's face.
Lynn is deeply touched that Veronica thinks she is beautiful. She tells Veronica her parents bought it for her and Aaron hates when she wears it.
Frowning Veronica says, "Duncan doesn't even see the real me. He sees this image he wants."
"Aaron has to keep up a certain image." Lynn explains.
Veronica shakes her head and gently corrects, "He is already a star. He is choosing to keep up the image. He doesn't have to anymore."
Surprised Lynn thinks about what Veronica is telling her. It sounds like she is saying Aaron is a shallow man. Normally girls Logan brings over are thrilled to meet Aaron and don't' have time for her. Veronica has always been more. She is truly sweet and caring. Lynn is very glad she is Logan's friend.
Back downstairs Veronica makes a note in her phone scheduler when exactly Lynn and Aaron are leaving for LA. She remembers that Aaron had whipped Logan the night before they left. She needs to prevent that.
She opens Lilly's computer and accesses a web browser. She brings up the site that Brody told her about and shows it to Lynn. She says, "I was thinking we should sign Logan as a member today and then maybe enter him in some beginning competitions."
Veronica is opening a page for membership. She talks about how entering athletic competitions looks good on a college resume. Veronica misses Lynn's look of surprise that Veronica thinks Logan should go to college.
Reading the membership information, Veronica says, "I guess we just need Logan's social security number, birth date and parental information for this form."
Veronica starts typing in the information Lynn supplies. When it is completed she sends it in. She emails Lynn a schedule of the competitions for the fall and winter. She says, "Look it over and then let me know which competition works best for Aaron's schedule. He doesn't need to be here for it but we don't' want him upset that Logan is taking away his limelight."
She brightly tells Lynn they should have a party for Logan after the competition. Lynn is enthusiastic.
Veronica pulls out her phone to call her mother to pick her up. Lynn tells her that she will get her driver to take her home. Veronica tells her she is going to the beach to take some pictures of Logan surfing before she goes home. Lynn asks for copies of the pictures and easily agrees for the Echolls' driver to wait for her at the beach and then take her home.
Happily Veronica hugs Lynn and thanks her for showing her outfit and for helping her with her surprise for Logan. Lynn is happy to hug Veronica back. She likes this girl a lot.
Veronica arrives at the beach and walks down to the water with her camera. She takes some pictures of the guys surfing. Logan spotting Veronica there comes into shore to talk to her.
Openly ogling Logan's body, Veronica greets Logan easily. Logan is surprised at Veronica's comfort with his half naked body. She normally blushes when he is close to her and only wearing board shorts. Today she is looking at him and seems to be enjoying what she sees.
Logan asks her about the pictures and Veronica says, "I'm practicing with the camera you bought me. Mrs. Dent says she is going to let me take pictures for the paper."
Happy Veronica likes the gift her picked out for her, Logan says, "I'm glad you like it."
"Are you kidding?" Veronica enthuses, "It was the best present I got for my birthday."
Surprised Logan says, "I thought you loved the necklace Lilly bought and the bracelet Duncan bought you."
Fingering her necklace Veronica says, "I love this necklace because it is from Lilly, not because of the diamond."
Logan frowns a little at her explanation. Veronica continues, "I love the camera because you know me and bought me what I wanted, not what you wanted me to have."
Understanding what Veronica is telling him Logan is touched by her words. He did think about what to buy her and had taken the time to pick out a camera he thought she would really like. That she appreciated the time and thought he put into the gift was nice to hear.
Logan noticing that the Echolls' driver brought Veronica asks her what is going on. Veronica explains that she went to talk to Logan's mother about something and she showed her what she is wearing to the charity ball.
Veronica looks at Logan and steps closer. She says quietly, "Logan your mom is feeling lonely right now."
Logan is surprised at how Veronica spent time with his mother. Lilly has no time for Lynn. Veronica tells Logan that moving to Neptune took his mother from her friends. She says, "Logan is there any way you could call her friends and ask them to make an effort to see her when she is in LA?"
Logan looks upset. Veronica takes his hand and pulls him down to sit beside her. She tells him that his mother seems a little down and that his dad is kind of focused on himself so doesn't pay any real attention to his mother.
Frowning Logan says defensively, "What do you know about it?"
Moving closer to Logan, Veronica looks him in the eyes. She says firmly, "Logan I am your friend. I would never betray your confidences but I'm not blind."
Meeting her gaze Logan can see that she is telling him the truth.
He listens as she continues, "You know about my mom and her drinking, right?"
Logan nods. He is taken aback. Veronica doesn't usually mention her mother's drinking and normally covers for it.
Edging closer, Veronica lowers her voice. She says, "Mom is not much of a mom anymore and she is not much of a wife to dad."
Upset for her Logan takes her hand and rubs it in sympathy.
Veronica says, "I can't do anything about mom and dad's relationship but I can support them both."
Shrugging her shoulders she says, "That's not much but it is all I can do."
"In a week or so your parents are going back to LA. If you contacted a few of your mom's real friends, maybe they could make sure they see her and talk to her in LA while your dad is busy on set." Veronica says.
Logan looks at her as he thinks about what she is saying. He doesn't know how Veronica knows about his mom but it is obvious she does. He says, "Have you and Lilly been talking about me?"
Veronica frowns and says, "Not about your mom."
Logan pauses as he thinks about what Veronica said.
Veronica continues, "Lilly is my best friend but you are my friend too. I wouldn't talk about you like that."
Seeing she's offended Logan rushes to reassure her. He explains, "It's just Lilly was nicer today. When I asked her about it she said you told her to quit being such a bitch."
A small smile comes over Veronica's face. She says, "I'm going to tell you what I told her. The four of us are friends. If we break up with our respective boyfriend or girlfriend, we are all still going to be there for each other."
Logan's eyes narrow at her wording. He says, "You aren't just talking about Lilly and me are you?"
Quickly, Veronica looks away. She says, "I'm just generalizing about the four of us."
Immediately Logan knows that Veronica is not telling him everything. He says, "The same rule applies to you as to me. DK is my best friend but you are my friend too."
Veronica meets his gaze and he is taken aback by the happiness in her gaze. She says, "I know. It's great!"
She pauses and then adds, "I think sometimes we don't work on our friendship because of the Kanes but I do value our relationship. "
"Are you sure you don't just want to be alone with me.?" Logan questions.
Veronica throws her head back in laughter. Logan watches a little transfixed. She deadpans, "You caught me. I want you and I must have you."
She adds her voice breaking into giggles in the middle, "Take me now."
Logan smiles at her humor and says, "You know I get that a lot."
After she sobers from her laughter she says quietly, "Duncan wants me to be someone I'm not."
Logan can see her upset. He puts his arm around her and says, "Have you talked to him?"
Veronica looks a little incredulously at him. She says, "Yeah like Duncan wants to have honest conversations."
Logan doesn't know what to say. He knows she is right. Duncan is like Celeste at times. He will not open up about his feelings. He just never thought Veronica saw any negatives about Duncan.
Logan says, "I'm sorry."
Nodding her acceptance Veronica says, "I know. It helps that you understand."
There is a compatible silence.
Logan finally breaks it and says, "I'll call my mom's friends."
Veronica nods and says, "We will do what we can. We don't have much control over the situation."
Keeping his arm around her Logan sits in silence.
After a few moments, Veronica says, "Logan I have to go and get ready for dinner at the Kane's tonight."
She pauses and says, "Can I call you later friend?"
Logan nods and says, "Sure." He stands as she stands. Veronica says, "Maybe on the weekend you could teach me to surf."
Logan looks at her and sees she is serious. He says, "Really?"
She nods and teases, "You better snap up this offer Logan. I have another offer for a surfing coach."
"Brody offered to teach you?" Logan guesses.
Veronica nods and says, "Yes and he's hot."
Logan affronted says, "I'm hotter."
She looks him over and says, "Yes you are."
As she walks away she adds, "You are the only guy who I want to put his hands on me in my skimpy bikini."
She peeks back and says, "I mean as my surfing instructor." She laughs at his shock as she walks away.
Logan watches her get in the Echolls car. He shakes his head and goes over to pick up his board. She is an enigma lately. He smiles a little as the thinks about her teasing and laughter. She is fun though. She keeps him on his toes. He likes that. He is also very happy she wants to work on their friendship. He thinks she is right in that they haven't focused on their friendship. It is sort of an afterthought to their friendships with the Kane siblings. A person would be very lucky to have Veronica Mars as his friend.
He heads back to the ocean to surf with his friends.